Delhi Water Minister Orders Crackdown on Water Wastage Amidst Severe Shortage
News Mania desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/29th May 2024
Delhi Water Minister Atishi has directed the CEO of the Delhi Jal Board to deploy 200 teams across the city to curb water wastage starting May 30. These teams will target activities such as washing cars with pipes, overflowing water tanks, and using domestic water supply for construction or commercial purposes. Offenders will face a fine of Rs 2000, and illegal water connections at construction sites or commercial establishments will be disconnected.
This decision follows Atishi’s recent accusation that Haryana has not released Delhi’s share of water since May 1. The minister announced a series of measures, including rationalizing water supply in the national capital. She warned that if the situation does not improve, the Delhi government may approach the Supreme Court.
On Tuesday, Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva dismissed Atishi’s claims as a “blatant lie,” asserting that Delhi is regularly receiving water from Haryana. Sachdeva blamed the Delhi government for failing to prevent water theft and supply loss, which he claimed are the real reasons behind the water crisis. In a press conference, Atishi highlighted the severe water shortages affecting many areas of Delhi and urged residents to use water judiciously. She cautioned that the government might have to issue challans for excessive water use if people do not heed her appeal.
Atishi provided data showing that the water level at Wazirabad has significantly dropped since May 1. The water level, which should be maintained at 674.5 feet, fell to 672 feet by May 8, 671 feet by May 20, and further declined to 669.8 feet on Tuesday. She mentioned that borewells, which typically operate for six to seven hours, have been running for 14 hours daily, and the number of water tankers to deficient areas has been increased.
Starting today, water supply will be reduced in areas where it is provided twice a day, redirecting the rationalized water to areas facing severe shortages. Atishi appealed to residents not to wash vehicles with water pipes and to be cautious about filling their water tanks. “We may have to issue challans for excess use of water if people do not heed this public appeal. Misuse of water is highly irresponsible,” she stated.
Amidst the ongoing heat wave, Atishi emphasized the collective responsibility of Delhi residents to conserve water. She pointed out that many areas in Delhi have been experiencing a serious water crisis for the past week, necessitating extended running times for borewells and increased deployment of water tankers.
In conclusion, Atishi’s directives to curb water wastage and her accusations against Haryana underscore the urgency of addressing Delhi’s water crisis. The minister’s call for responsible water use reflects the critical need for conservation amidst severe shortages. As the situation unfolds, the effectiveness of these measures will be closely monitored, and the potential involvement of the Supreme Court could play a pivotal role in resolving the dispute between Delhi and Haryana. The actions taken by the Delhi government highlight the importance of sustainable water management practices and the collective effort required to mitigate the impact of water scarcity in the national capital.
